Palm Bark Abstractions
Looking Close Reveals A Depth Of Shared Wisdom
Llano Park is close to home. I walk often in this refuge that covers six large square blocks. The range of vegetation is remarkable. As is the range of park visitors.
There are always lots of walkers, and joggers, of all ages. From the very young, to the very old. There are exercise groups, dance groups, roller bladders. Young men doing tricks, on tricked out bicycles. Older folks practicing Tai Chi. And the list goes on.
I walk here for the range of vegetation on display. It seems to change from day to day. The moist climate encourages daily growth. I am fascinated by both the growth, and the decay. A metaphor for my own ongoing growth and decay.
A few days ago this decaying palm bark caught my eye, called to my camera. I recognized the metaphor immediately. This bark made me think of the similarities to my own aging body.
The fading color, the deep rich texture, the evolution brought on by time, and of life well lived.
I felt a sudden kinship between this intricate surface and my own surface, my own aging skin. I also felt less alone. Felt like I had made a new…
